Forget romance, Munster must move on from this affair
LISTENING to Rassie Erasmus explain his reasons for returning to South Africa, it was very easy to take him at his word.
The confusion created over his notice period by the comments of IRFU chief executive Philip Browne made a messy situation that bit messier, but it doesn’t change some details that nobody has disputed.
From the time the rumours emerged linking Erasmus with the Springboks last November, he kept Munster and the union abreast of news. He told them from the outset that the only job that could tempt him away was one with the national team. And all parties are now working together to try and speed up the process of replacing him so he can go and they can move on.
He brought clarity to his situation at the Pro14 launch this week, and trying to attach blame to Erasmus is pointless. He appears guilty of nothing more than ambition.
As he pointed out, this is professional sport. People seeking unbreakable emotional bonds between a coach for hire and his place of work are looking for romance in the wrong place.
However, finding a replacement for him should occupy the waking hours of senior Union officials and not just the people running Munster. This cannot be allowed to drag much beyond the start of the season. A clean break is needed, quickly.